CALL FOR EXPRESSION OF INTEREST (EOI)
Tree Seedlings Market Development Challenge Fund, Ethiopia
Overview
The Sustainable Private Sector in Forestry (SPSF) Programme, supported by SIDA and UNDP, hereby invites eligible entities to submit Expressions of Interest (EOI) for the Tree Seedlings Market Development Challenge Fund.
This initiative aims to support Ethiopia's massive landscape restoration and National Green Legacy Initiative by stimulating innovative, market-driven solutions that strengthen tree and fruit seedling value chains, improve seedling quality, and expand green job opportunities for youth and women. The target geographical implementation areas include the Oromia Region (Asela and Adama), Amhara Region (Dessie and Kombolcha), Tigray Region (Endomohoni), and the Central Ethiopia Region (Buee).
Key Tender Details
Issuance Date: October 28, 2026
EOI Submission Deadline: November 20, 2026
Target Value Chain: Tree seedlings and fruit tree propagation
Submission Email: ilriettender@cgiar.org
Email Subject Line Requirement: Must state
Tree Seedlings Market Development Challenge Fundwithout any modifications
Funding Windows & Cost-Sharing Requirements
The fund offers three competitive grant windows:
| Grant Window | Funding Amount (USD) | Target Applicants | Indicative Focus | Minimum Co-Financing Requirement |
| Micro Grant | Up to $10,000 | Start-ups, cooperatives, MSMEs | Piloting and validating innovations; strengthening proof of concept | 30% of total project cost |
| Medium Grant | $10,001 – $20,000 | Growing MSMEs, private firms, consortia | Scaling tested innovations; expanding market reach; strengthening operations | 50% of total project cost |
| Large Grant | $20,001 – $30,000* | Established enterprises, lead firms, anchor buyers, processors | Systemic innovations with strong crowd-in potential; market transformation | 50% of total project cost |
*Under special circumstances, international partner requests may be considered under a separate set of criteria.
Disbursement Schedule
Grants are performance-based and disbursed across three tranches within 12 months:
Tranche 1 (30%): Disbursed upon contract signing and proof of matching fund availability.
Tranche 2 (40%): Disbursed upon reaching mid-term milestones (e.g., equipment purchased and installed, or 50% of staff hired).
Tranche 3 (30%): Disbursed upon completion and submission of an impact report demonstrating market traction or sales.
Eligibility Criteria
1. Eligible Applicants
Registered Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs)
Cooperatives and Unions
Legally registered producers, processors, and traders' associations
Private companies (national or international)
Consortia led by a private sector or market-oriented organization
Social enterprises and startup innovators
2. Minimum Eligibility Requirements
Legal Status: Must be a legally registered entity.
Geographical Focus: Must have a plan to implement the project within the designated programme districts and along the value chain.
Job Creation & Income: Must demonstrate how the innovation will create jobs and increase income levels within the community.
Proof of Concept: Must be piloted or tested with demonstrable results (primarily for Medium and Large grant windows).
Commercial Viability & Systemic Impact: Clear business model with a pathway to revenue generation and broader market system transformation.
Inclusion & Environment: Practical measures to promote the participation and benefits of women and youth, alongside compliance with national environmental and forestry regulations.
Evaluation Criteria
Submissions are reviewed by a Selection Committee using the following weighted scoring system:
| Criteria | Description / Focus Area | Weight (%) |
| Inclusion and Social Impact | Jobs and income enhancement for youth, women, and marginalized groups | 20% |
| Innovation and Technical Soundness | Feasibility, robustness, novelty, and relevance of the proposed solution | 15% |
| Commercial Viability & Market Systems Impact | Business case profitability and systemic change potential | 15% |
| Experience & Team Track Record | Technical capacity and organizational track record | 15% |
| Sustainability | Post-grant continuity, adoption incentives, and scalability | 10% |
| Co-Investment | Proportion of matching funds committed by the applicant | 10% |
| Environmental Impact | Promotion of forest conservation and climate benefits | 5% |
| Budget Realism | Cost alignment with proposed activities and outputs | 5% |
| Financial Sustainability | Long-term operational and financial model | 5% |
| Total | 100% |
Application Process & Timeline
Stage 1: Expression of Interest (EOI)
Deadline: November 20, 2026
Length: Maximum 3–5 pages.
Requirements: Completed EOI form, brief description of innovation, proof of concept/early sales evidence, estimated budget, co-financing plan, organizational registration documents, and key project indicator framework.
Stage 2: Full Proposal (Invitation Only)
Shortlisted candidates will be invited to submit a detailed 10–15 page proposal including a comprehensive business plan, financial model, and environmental/social safeguards plan.
Submission & Contact Information
Submission Email: Send applications electronically to ilriettender@cgiar.org
Subject Line: Must be exactly
Tree Seedlings Market Development Challenge Fund.
For Inquiries & Application Support:
Management Team Lead: B. Teshome
Email: b.teshome@cgiar.org
Phone: +251 911 93 45 84
Office Address: Gurdshola, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia